Page 55 of The Best Friend Power Play

For the first time since Culver's been back, I don't fall asleep immediately. After a few minutes, I whisper, "Are you awake?"

"No. This is me sleep-talking."

I smile. "Wanna talk?"

"Sure."

"What are you thinking about?"

He breathes out through his nose. "I was thinking that now that the twins are gone, you'll have more time for dating."

Oh. He's lying in bed thinking about my dating life. That's…odd?

Nice?

Oddly nice?

"Yeah. I guess I will."

"Unless you're seeing someone now?"

"I'm a married woman. What are you accusing me of?"

He chuckles, then props himself on his elbow, facing me. "But seriously, is there someone?"

I really hope the light in the room is dim enough that he can't read my face, because the only thing worse than hiding my true feelings for him is lying to him about them. It's why I always try to stamp out any questions about my romantic life with the I don't have time line and deflect back to him.

But with the twins gone for the summer and starting college in the fall, I don't have that excuse to fall back on anymore.

"I'm not dating anyone," I reply. "What about you?"

He lies back down. "Surprise, surprise."

"What?"

"You're avoiding the question. Like you always do."

"So are you," I retort.

"I'm only avoiding your question because you avoided mine first."

"First thing in the morning, I'm calling a divorce lawyer. You're insufferable."

He's grinning just like I am as we fall silent, waiting to see who speaks first. I hope it's him because there's literally nothing going on in my love life apart from being secretly in love with him.

I know Culver has dated a few women. I also know that it's never lasted. He hasn't ever filled me in on why it's never lasted, which I am curious about.

"I'm not seeing anyone, either," he finally says.

"Oh. Okay," I say, releasing a breath. "Any reason?"

"So many reasons."

I flick on my bedside lamp and turn onto my side, facing him. "Want to talk about it?"

He stares up at the ceiling. "Not much to tell. I'm just not great at dating."

"I seriously doubt that."

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